Getting Started in Coin Collecting

So lets get started!

There are many reasons why one collects coins. There are collectors who collect on the basis of the coin's future perceived value, some collect coins coming from just one particular period, some on metal type and some for a coins historical value.

There are also those who enjoy collecting everyday common coins, gaining pleasure from inspecting mint marks and dates on their everyday change. Others have a collection of coins coming from different countries. Some coin collectors spend thousands on rare gold and silver coins from the period in the 1800's to the period in early 1900's.

The hobby of coin collecting can give pleasure and fun to an individual at any age. Many coin collectors began their collection when they were young children, collecting dimes or pennies. In fact, there are those that made coin collection a lifetime hobby.

The hobby of collecting coins involves spending money from the very start so it is good to join a coin collectors group so one can get ideas and help from knowledgeable and experienced collectors.

You need somebody to buy your coins from, and it may be hard to find a coin dealer of good repute when your are new to the hobby, so having someone that is in this hobby for years can be of great help to guide you on choosing an honest and knowledgeable coin dealer.

Begin by acquiring a big magnifying glass and examine coins in a bright area so you can spot mintmarks, errors and to clearly read dates on worn or damaged coins.

Decide on what coins to collect and buy a "bookshelf folder" for that series.

You must also have storage, such as clear tubes made of plastic or coin tubes having top screws to keep in your coins until such time that you are set to put them in a coin album; storage can also be good for keeping duplicate coins.

There is a need for you to learn about different coin values. Follow what types of coins are sold, and what are they priced based on dealer pricing. You also will need someone or some references that will show you how to evaluate the accurate value of a certain coin based on mint mark, age, color, surface and condition.

"A Guide Book of United States Coins" or universally known as "the red book", which is published yearly, provides a good outline of U.S. coins history, information on basic coin grading, coin descriptions from past to present including a list of errors to watch out, average U.S. coins retail cost and explanation of errors which occurred in the "minting process".

Monthly publications from "Coinage" (coin collecting magazine) contain many useful facts and information as well articles about your new found hobby plus a lot of great photos.

The newspaper, particularly in the numismatic world section, will be of great interest to you specially when you become more and more involved and interested in your hobby and would want to remain up to date with the present happenings in the world of numismatics.

As you grow more experienced in coin collecting, your "eye for coins" will improve and develop maturely thus you now will be scrutinizing more carefully at features and details such as coin letterings, making certain that the letters are not blemished or blurred, but still is distinguishable.

Likewise, you will be paying so much interest and concentration to the coin's general state and you can wander away from certain coins having so much evident marks of abrasion, thus you will then be experiencing the fun side of coin collecting.

Spend ample time reading, looking at photos, learning from experienced collectors and asking as many questions that needs clearing up from not just other collectors, but dealers as well. The hobby of coin collecting is a continuing process; it will go on for as long as you are into the hobby.

Your knowledge and training will save you a lot of money as well as make you money when the time comes. But more importantly, have fun while learning. Take pleasure in what they call the "Hobby of kings" that has turned to be the "King of hobbies".

Keep on learning, because the better you understand, the more that you will enjoy your new found hobby.